Ralfio

First year at Kal Asterock … Hopefully you’ve never heard of me. (RP Account)

[ralfio]

“Uh… hi?”

“I’m told this app is all the rage amongst the banner players and everyone else, so I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. So I guess this is my intro post?”

“My name is Ralfio, I go by he/him and I’m a first year at Kal Asterock! I haven’t been really into gorotama, especially since my tama… isn’t all that great. I’m really sorry if it’s gross or annoying.”

“I was hoping I could maybe make some friends here! … or catch up on notes from classes I missed while with nurse Volgora… You all HAVE been attending all your classes, right? right?”

[OOC info under cut]

—————

“I uh… don’t really have any friends or anyone I could add to the tag list.”

[OOC: I know there’s a LOT of cool rp blogs, and I don’t really know if I can tag them all. I might edit this later though!]

—————

OOC: Hey! I’ve been hearing a lot of rp silliness was happening in the dragon striker tag, and I’m obsessed enough with this random background character to make an rp blog for him. I’ve been really busy IRL and haven’t rped on tumblr before, so no guarantees how active I’ll be.

Apologies if he is OOC. I searched far and wide for crumbs about my boy, I saw none other than “pukes a lot”. So I have stuffed this little creature with enough projection and headcanons that he’s practically an OC at this point.

Some basic rules/info:

- I won’t do anything ship related between him and 4th years or adults.

- I will do my best to be mindful of those with fears of vomit, but please be aware it I completely removed any aspect of vomiting from Ralfio I would be removing basically anything canon about him. Also it would be very upsetting because I see a lot of myself with my own “gross” experiences with Celiacs Disease. So basically if *any* amount of vomit mention is majorly triggering, please block me for your own wellbeing (I won’t be mad!)

- Anything in [These] are OOC, I tend to use (these) to indicate a character is speaking very quietly. Or I will actively mark OOC.

- My main blog is @witchy-whimsical ! I don’t know how active I’ll be here; I’ve been very busy in my personal life.

- I’m ok with the mind/body/tama altering things going around, as long as they’re temporary. I’d prefer nothing that completely erased his nausea, or at least has a great cost. I hate fantasy cures, but I love fantasy accommodations. I swear there’s a difference.

- More might be added if it becomes applicable.

[ralfio]

hi ralfio are you okay after everything in the infirmary? i know it was kind of terrifying so...

- @healer-ossain

“… I’m… I’m okay. I… I wasn’t the one hurt.”

“Are you doing okay, though…?”

[healer-ossain]

yeah im fine. im hanging out with tsunami now and shes pretty nice. are you sure youre good?

[ralfio]

“Oh, yeah! I’m… I’m fine.”

“I… tried to help Key and Falco, and… that didn’t go well. I’ve just been leaving them alone since.”

“… I… still feel really bad that… I couldn’t do anything, though. Or… didn’t do anything.”

“I- I was trying not to hurl, but… I… I should have.”

“At least that might have made Falco attack me instead of anyone else.”

[ihatemyunclesuryasunspear]

@numberonegorotamafan WE ARE SO FUCKING COOKED

[numberonegorotamafan]

ooc: whaaaaaat we're not cooked everything will be fine and i'm sure they'll both handle that news extremely wellllllll...

[ralfio]

[OOC: …. well it looks like Key cooked Falco a little bit too hard!]

[ralfio]

hi ralfio are you okay after everything in the infirmary? i know it was kind of terrifying so...

- @healer-ossain

“… I’m… I’m okay. I… I wasn’t the one hurt.”

“Are you doing okay, though…?”

[ralfio]

Kinda scummy for doctors to look at a sick kid and think ur just trying to skip school :(

“… yeah… yeah I- I guess it is.”

“They’re just… not used to someone like me, I guess.”

“… Right?”

[ralfio]

How bad are the doctors in Mestras actually?

"I mean... they're not all bad, y'know?"

"A- a few of the ones I went to were really nice, and... did all they could. They just... well, couldn't."

"The... problem is, a lot of them really didn't want to admit they didn't know how to help me. And if they did, they just reluctantly signed a referral to someone else... telling me to go waste their time."

"A- A lot of them just thought I was trying to get out of school."

"... They're not... evil, just..."

"I wish they took me a little more seriously sometimes."

[ralfio]

Your mom!!! whoever you are?

“…”

“How do you not know who I am but know my mom?”

[ralfio]

Do you have a favourite gorotama player?

“… In the school?”

“I’d probably say Milo Stonegarden.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Wait,,, me? There are like,,,,,,, at least thirty better players though,,,,

[ralfio]

“…”

“This is… probably going to sound weird, but…”

“… When I first came to Kal Asterock, you… were a nobody like me.”

“Everyone thought your jelly tama was lame… that… it just got in the way. And… you hated it too.”

“But, then you joined the Knights, and… you became so much more powerful than anyone could have thought. And- and it’s still only your first year!”

“… I… I don’t know. It’s stupid, but…”

“… It gives me hope that my ‘lame’ tama will be useful one day, too.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

That's,,, not stupid, actually. And your tama's not lame. I mean,,, even if you don't wanna play Gorotama? I mean, I'd get it. It's kind of,,, terrifying-

But... painting, maybe,,,? I dunno. I guess,,, it's nice to know that me playing on a banner, uh,,, means something to you? ^^"

I wouldn't even have ended up here if it wasn't for Key and Ssyelle,,,

[ralfio]

“… I don’t think I’m ready for anything like that yet. Still need to figure out how to use it without getting sick.”

“And I’m not even talking about playing in the first place. The Jelly Dragon? How you all beat the shadows with your jellies? That’s really cool!”

“… You’re really cool.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Right, yeah,,, that. Makes sense. It's still not lame! It's not like it's the only tama with drawbacks,,, right? Maybe the nurses would have something,,,?

I- dunno about the thing with the Shadows. I guess combining tamas was cool,, but that was mostly Pork Roll? I dunno,,,

I think,,, you're really cool too.

[ralfio]

“The nurses have been giving me everything they have since the day I got here. Nurse Volgora has a tea that sometimes helps a little… But all they have are temporary ways to soothe it, it always comes back with a vengeance.”

“And… yeah, it was cool. But they couldn’t have done it without you.”

“And… thank you.”

“… I miss Nurse Volgora. I hope she comes back soon.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

I,,, hope she's back soon too. There's too much going on.

But still,,, that must suck? Not being able to find something that helps, I mean,,,

I wonder if anyone in Mestras would have anything?

[ralfio]

“Yeah.. My family searched Mestras extensively for anything that could help, and… We found some things that soothed it temporarily while it was happening, but… they stopped working pretty quickly.”

“Eventually they were just told to send me to Kal Asterock, since… they thought people trained with more ‘unstable’ tamas could help me.”

“… That’s… uh… still a work in progress.”

“(… Be careful choosing doctors in Mestras. Some of them… weren’t very nice.)”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Well... if Key comes back I guess you could,,, I dunno, try asking him? It's super different with his tama though, so- I'm not sure it would really help that much. Um... hm. I... should've asked if you actually,,, wanted help first, huh?

[ralfio]

“I… have thought about it. I do also… I get reminded of myself still when I see what he’s been going through.”

“Obviously not, uh… like that, but…”

“… I feel bad for him. I… wish I could help…”

“… and… yeah, I… guess I *want* help, and… I… do appreciate it when people try, but… all anyone can suggest is things I’ve tried before, or… is just not possible.”

“And… I feel really bad when- … when people try so hard to help me, and… they can’t.”

“…”

“I’m- really sorry, I… shouldn’t be overloading you with all this. You have… enough to worry about right now. With… everything.”

“(… I was there, at the nurses when it happened… I should have done something.)”

“(… it’s my fault it ended up like this.)”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

You know,,, I wouldn't have brought it up if I minded you talking about it. I'll still see what I can, um, find out. Even if I can't help, I can still,,, I dunno, understand you better? I guess?

[ralfio]

“… thank you.”

“… not all gorotama players really care for these things. I’ve met some really cruel ones.”

“… So… I guess that’s another reason you’re my favourite.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

I- thanks? Yeah,,, I guess there's a lot of, um. Hostility. With the other players? I think it's dumb, but... I dunno. There isn't really anything I can do about it except,,, y'know,,, try to be nice?

[ralfio]

“You’re doing so much more than you think.”

“… And… it’s appreciated so much more than- than you could probably ever know.”

“Please… don’t lose that. No matter what happens.”

“… Please.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

No, um, losing myself to the evil toxic part of Gorotama,,, will do. I can do that!

I'd rather stay far, FAR away from that stuff anyway

[ralfio]

“Yeah… I don’t understand how you guys can do it.”

“Getting beat up all the time, being famous at your own school, and the toxic stuff in general…”

“Even if my tama wasn’t gross and I could use it without being sick, I could never do something like that.”

“… I… tried a couple times. Streetball, mainly, back home. I… kept getting sick, and… not being able to play.”

“… Be careful out there… okay? Don’t… don’t get hurt doing something dumb and… not be able to play anymore.”

“But- but if the nurses say you shouldn’t play, then… please don’t.”

“… I… kept hearing nurse Volgora talk about players that… that didn’t take breaks, and- and just wanted to play no matter what, and- … they hurt themselves to the point they couldn’t play anymore.”

“… and… she… didn’t talk too much about what happened to them afterwards… but…”

“… agh, I- really shouldn’t be saying all of this, but…”

“I just…”

“… Really don’t want that to happen to the cool players I’ve met here. Especially you.”

“So… please, be careful.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

I'll be careful. Trust me,,, I think I'm the last person to not listen to the nurse-

But,,, if you ever wanna play casually,,, like, no tamas, I don't think the other Knights will mind if you come hang out with us. We can always take breaks if you get sick!

[ralfio]

“Do… you really mean it?”

“I- I’m sorry, I just… don’t want to be a bother if I do get sick, and… make a mess of everything…”

“(… now I feel even worse for not being able to help Key…)”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Yeah! I mean it,,, it wouldn't be a bother. Plus it would be fun, right? And it's,,, I mean,,, you can't really make more of a mess than Pork Roll, and we love her, so...

[ralfio]

“That… that would be amazing…!”

“… I… think we should wait a bit, though… I… don’t think Key’s too happy with me right now.”

“(… if he’d want anything to do with me after I was so useless…)”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Wait,,, why would Key be upset with you? Sorry, I. Think I missed something ^^"

Or several somethings. A lot. Of things.

[ralfio]

“I… uh…”

“I- … saw what happened with- him, in… the… nurse’s office.”

“And… I… didn’t help. I just- stood there like an idiot.

“… I… don’t… want to say too much. It’s… not my story to tell, really.”

“… I’d… want you to get it from Key himself. If… he’s ready.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

You know,,, um. I only heard part of it but it sounds like it was kinda,,, terrifying? And, I mean- everyone reacts differently. Like, I freeze up really bad,,, for a while I'd faint too? I dont think,,, anyone would blame you? For being scared?

Especially Key,,,,,, he's a really good friend.

[ralfio]

“Yeah… it… it was.”

“I- I was just trying not to get sick the whole time…”

“… I… I should have. A-At least that would have distracted… it, or- or something…”

“… It’s… my fault things… got that bad.”

“(… it should have been me instead.)”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Hey, it's not your fault,,, just like it's not anyone else's, right? You,,, shouldn't say that. Besides,,, it's not like we can change what happened. Maybe we can talk to Key about it? When he's feeling better, I mean. If you still feel bad,,,?

[ralfio]

“I- I guess.”

“… I’m- sorry, this is… probably too much for you right now… I- I’m sorry.”

“(… I feel sick just thinking about it.)”

“… I’m… mostly worried about Key, though. And… and Falco, Ragno, and… and Skadi.”

“And… just… everyone.”

“Ev- Everyone that… got… hurt because I-…”

“…”

“I’m… sorry. I…”

“I couldn’t be as brave as you.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

... I think you are brave. I mean,,, even if your body froze, you still wanted to do something,,, and you can't control how you- you know, how your body reacts to being scared?

... What are you apologizing for? I'm not,,, mad at you?

[ralfio]

“… I shouldn’t be saying… any of this.”

“… Thank you. For… For everything.”

“(… and also… preemptively… because I’m starting to feel sick again-)”

[ralfio]

Do you have a favourite gorotama player?

“… In the school?”

“I’d probably say Milo Stonegarden.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Wait,,, me? There are like,,,,,,, at least thirty better players though,,,,

[ralfio]

“…”

“This is… probably going to sound weird, but…”

“… When I first came to Kal Asterock, you… were a nobody like me.”

“Everyone thought your jelly tama was lame… that… it just got in the way. And… you hated it too.”

“But, then you joined the Knights, and… you became so much more powerful than anyone could have thought. And- and it’s still only your first year!”

“… I… I don’t know. It’s stupid, but…”

“… It gives me hope that my ‘lame’ tama will be useful one day, too.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

That's,,, not stupid, actually. And your tama's not lame. I mean,,, even if you don't wanna play Gorotama? I mean, I'd get it. It's kind of,,, terrifying-

But... painting, maybe,,,? I dunno. I guess,,, it's nice to know that me playing on a banner, uh,,, means something to you? ^^"

I wouldn't even have ended up here if it wasn't for Key and Ssyelle,,,

[ralfio]

“… I don’t think I’m ready for anything like that yet. Still need to figure out how to use it without getting sick.”

“And I’m not even talking about playing in the first place. The Jelly Dragon? How you all beat the shadows with your jellies? That’s really cool!”

“… You’re really cool.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Right, yeah,,, that. Makes sense. It's still not lame! It's not like it's the only tama with drawbacks,,, right? Maybe the nurses would have something,,,?

I- dunno about the thing with the Shadows. I guess combining tamas was cool,, but that was mostly Pork Roll? I dunno,,,

I think,,, you're really cool too.

[ralfio]

“The nurses have been giving me everything they have since the day I got here. Nurse Volgora has a tea that sometimes helps a little… But all they have are temporary ways to soothe it, it always comes back with a vengeance.”

“And… yeah, it was cool. But they couldn’t have done it without you.”

“And… thank you.”

“… I miss Nurse Volgora. I hope she comes back soon.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

I,,, hope she's back soon too. There's too much going on.

But still,,, that must suck? Not being able to find something that helps, I mean,,,

I wonder if anyone in Mestras would have anything?

[ralfio]

“Yeah.. My family searched Mestras extensively for anything that could help, and… We found some things that soothed it temporarily while it was happening, but… they stopped working pretty quickly.”

“Eventually they were just told to send me to Kal Asterock, since… they thought people trained with more ‘unstable’ tamas could help me.”

“… That’s… uh… still a work in progress.”

“(… Be careful choosing doctors in Mestras. Some of them… weren’t very nice.)”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Well... if Key comes back I guess you could,,, I dunno, try asking him? It's super different with his tama though, so- I'm not sure it would really help that much. Um... hm. I... should've asked if you actually,,, wanted help first, huh?

[ralfio]

“I… have thought about it. I do also… I get reminded of myself still when I see what he’s been going through.”

“Obviously not, uh… like that, but…”

“… I feel bad for him. I… wish I could help…”

“… and… yeah, I… guess I *want* help, and… I… do appreciate it when people try, but… all anyone can suggest is things I’ve tried before, or… is just not possible.”

“And… I feel really bad when- … when people try so hard to help me, and… they can’t.”

“…”

“I’m- really sorry, I… shouldn’t be overloading you with all this. You have… enough to worry about right now. With… everything.”

“(… I was there, at the nurses when it happened… I should have done something.)”

“(… it’s my fault it ended up like this.)”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

You know,,, I wouldn't have brought it up if I minded you talking about it. I'll still see what I can, um, find out. Even if I can't help, I can still,,, I dunno, understand you better? I guess?

[ralfio]

“… thank you.”

“… not all gorotama players really care for these things. I’ve met some really cruel ones.”

“… So… I guess that’s another reason you’re my favourite.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

I- thanks? Yeah,,, I guess there's a lot of, um. Hostility. With the other players? I think it's dumb, but... I dunno. There isn't really anything I can do about it except,,, y'know,,, try to be nice?

[ralfio]

“You’re doing so much more than you think.”

“… And… it’s appreciated so much more than- than you could probably ever know.”

“Please… don’t lose that. No matter what happens.”

“… Please.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

No, um, losing myself to the evil toxic part of Gorotama,,, will do. I can do that!

I'd rather stay far, FAR away from that stuff anyway

[ralfio]

“Yeah… I don’t understand how you guys can do it.”

“Getting beat up all the time, being famous at your own school, and the toxic stuff in general…”

“Even if my tama wasn’t gross and I could use it without being sick, I could never do something like that.”

“… I… tried a couple times. Streetball, mainly, back home. I… kept getting sick, and… not being able to play.”

“… Be careful out there… okay? Don’t… don’t get hurt doing something dumb and… not be able to play anymore.”

“But- but if the nurses say you shouldn’t play, then… please don’t.”

“… I… kept hearing nurse Volgora talk about players that… that didn’t take breaks, and- and just wanted to play no matter what, and- … they hurt themselves to the point they couldn’t play anymore.”

“… and… she… didn’t talk too much about what happened to them afterwards… but…”

“… agh, I- really shouldn’t be saying all of this, but…”

“I just…”

“… Really don’t want that to happen to the cool players I’ve met here. Especially you.”

“So… please, be careful.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

I'll be careful. Trust me,,, I think I'm the last person to not listen to the nurse-

But,,, if you ever wanna play casually,,, like, no tamas, I don't think the other Knights will mind if you come hang out with us. We can always take breaks if you get sick!

[ralfio]

“Do… you really mean it?”

“I- I’m sorry, I just… don’t want to be a bother if I do get sick, and… make a mess of everything…”

“(… now I feel even worse for not being able to help Key…)”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Yeah! I mean it,,, it wouldn't be a bother. Plus it would be fun, right? And it's,,, I mean,,, you can't really make more of a mess than Pork Roll, and we love her, so...

[ralfio]

“That… that would be amazing…!”

“… I… think we should wait a bit, though… I… don’t think Key’s too happy with me right now.”

“(… if he’d want anything to do with me after I was so useless…)”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Wait,,, why would Key be upset with you? Sorry, I. Think I missed something ^^"

Or several somethings. A lot. Of things.

[ralfio]

“I… uh…”

“I- … saw what happened with- him, in… the… nurse’s office.”

“And… I… didn’t help. I just- stood there like an idiot.

“… I… don’t… want to say too much. It’s… not my story to tell, really.”

“… I’d… want you to get it from Key himself. If… he’s ready.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

You know,,, um. I only heard part of it but it sounds like it was kinda,,, terrifying? And, I mean- everyone reacts differently. Like, I freeze up really bad,,, for a while I'd faint too? I dont think,,, anyone would blame you? For being scared?

Especially Key,,,,,, he's a really good friend.

[ralfio]

“Yeah… it… it was.”

“I- I was just trying not to get sick the whole time…”

“… I… I should have. A-At least that would have distracted… it, or- or something…”

“… It’s… my fault things… got that bad.”

“(… it should have been me instead.)”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Hey, it's not your fault,,, just like it's not anyone else's, right? You,,, shouldn't say that. Besides,,, it's not like we can change what happened. Maybe we can talk to Key about it? When he's feeling better, I mean. If you still feel bad,,,?

[ralfio]

“I- I guess.”

“… I’m- sorry, this is… probably too much for you right now… I- I’m sorry.”

“(… I feel sick just thinking about it.)”

“… I’m… mostly worried about Key, though. And… and Falco, Ragno, and… and Skadi.”

“And… just… everyone.”

“Ev- Everyone that… got… hurt because I-…”

“…”

“I’m… sorry. I…”

“I couldn’t be as brave as you.”

[ralfio]

Do you have a favourite gorotama player?

“… In the school?”

“I’d probably say Milo Stonegarden.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Wait,,, me? There are like,,,,,,, at least thirty better players though,,,,

[ralfio]

“…”

“This is… probably going to sound weird, but…”

“… When I first came to Kal Asterock, you… were a nobody like me.”

“Everyone thought your jelly tama was lame… that… it just got in the way. And… you hated it too.”

“But, then you joined the Knights, and… you became so much more powerful than anyone could have thought. And- and it’s still only your first year!”

“… I… I don’t know. It’s stupid, but…”

“… It gives me hope that my ‘lame’ tama will be useful one day, too.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

That's,,, not stupid, actually. And your tama's not lame. I mean,,, even if you don't wanna play Gorotama? I mean, I'd get it. It's kind of,,, terrifying-

But... painting, maybe,,,? I dunno. I guess,,, it's nice to know that me playing on a banner, uh,,, means something to you? ^^"

I wouldn't even have ended up here if it wasn't for Key and Ssyelle,,,

[ralfio]

“… I don’t think I’m ready for anything like that yet. Still need to figure out how to use it without getting sick.”

“And I’m not even talking about playing in the first place. The Jelly Dragon? How you all beat the shadows with your jellies? That’s really cool!”

“… You’re really cool.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Right, yeah,,, that. Makes sense. It's still not lame! It's not like it's the only tama with drawbacks,,, right? Maybe the nurses would have something,,,?

I- dunno about the thing with the Shadows. I guess combining tamas was cool,, but that was mostly Pork Roll? I dunno,,,

I think,,, you're really cool too.

[ralfio]

“The nurses have been giving me everything they have since the day I got here. Nurse Volgora has a tea that sometimes helps a little… But all they have are temporary ways to soothe it, it always comes back with a vengeance.”

“And… yeah, it was cool. But they couldn’t have done it without you.”

“And… thank you.”

“… I miss Nurse Volgora. I hope she comes back soon.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

I,,, hope she's back soon too. There's too much going on.

But still,,, that must suck? Not being able to find something that helps, I mean,,,

I wonder if anyone in Mestras would have anything?

[ralfio]

“Yeah.. My family searched Mestras extensively for anything that could help, and… We found some things that soothed it temporarily while it was happening, but… they stopped working pretty quickly.”

“Eventually they were just told to send me to Kal Asterock, since… they thought people trained with more ‘unstable’ tamas could help me.”

“… That’s… uh… still a work in progress.”

“(… Be careful choosing doctors in Mestras. Some of them… weren’t very nice.)”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Well... if Key comes back I guess you could,,, I dunno, try asking him? It's super different with his tama though, so- I'm not sure it would really help that much. Um... hm. I... should've asked if you actually,,, wanted help first, huh?

[ralfio]

“I… have thought about it. I do also… I get reminded of myself still when I see what he’s been going through.”

“Obviously not, uh… like that, but…”

“… I feel bad for him. I… wish I could help…”

“… and… yeah, I… guess I *want* help, and… I… do appreciate it when people try, but… all anyone can suggest is things I’ve tried before, or… is just not possible.”

“And… I feel really bad when- … when people try so hard to help me, and… they can’t.”

“…”

“I’m- really sorry, I… shouldn’t be overloading you with all this. You have… enough to worry about right now. With… everything.”

“(… I was there, at the nurses when it happened… I should have done something.)”

“(… it’s my fault it ended up like this.)”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

You know,,, I wouldn't have brought it up if I minded you talking about it. I'll still see what I can, um, find out. Even if I can't help, I can still,,, I dunno, understand you better? I guess?

[ralfio]

“… thank you.”

“… not all gorotama players really care for these things. I’ve met some really cruel ones.”

“… So… I guess that’s another reason you’re my favourite.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

I- thanks? Yeah,,, I guess there's a lot of, um. Hostility. With the other players? I think it's dumb, but... I dunno. There isn't really anything I can do about it except,,, y'know,,, try to be nice?

[ralfio]

“You’re doing so much more than you think.”

“… And… it’s appreciated so much more than- than you could probably ever know.”

“Please… don’t lose that. No matter what happens.”

“… Please.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

No, um, losing myself to the evil toxic part of Gorotama,,, will do. I can do that!

I'd rather stay far, FAR away from that stuff anyway

[ralfio]

“Yeah… I don’t understand how you guys can do it.”

“Getting beat up all the time, being famous at your own school, and the toxic stuff in general…”

“Even if my tama wasn’t gross and I could use it without being sick, I could never do something like that.”

“… I… tried a couple times. Streetball, mainly, back home. I… kept getting sick, and… not being able to play.”

“… Be careful out there… okay? Don’t… don’t get hurt doing something dumb and… not be able to play anymore.”

“But- but if the nurses say you shouldn’t play, then… please don’t.”

“… I… kept hearing nurse Volgora talk about players that… that didn’t take breaks, and- and just wanted to play no matter what, and- … they hurt themselves to the point they couldn’t play anymore.”

“… and… she… didn’t talk too much about what happened to them afterwards… but…”

“… agh, I- really shouldn’t be saying all of this, but…”

“I just…”

“… Really don’t want that to happen to the cool players I’ve met here. Especially you.”

“So… please, be careful.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

I'll be careful. Trust me,,, I think I'm the last person to not listen to the nurse-

But,,, if you ever wanna play casually,,, like, no tamas, I don't think the other Knights will mind if you come hang out with us. We can always take breaks if you get sick!

[ralfio]

“Do… you really mean it?”

“I- I’m sorry, I just… don’t want to be a bother if I do get sick, and… make a mess of everything…”

“(… now I feel even worse for not being able to help Key…)”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Yeah! I mean it,,, it wouldn't be a bother. Plus it would be fun, right? And it's,,, I mean,,, you can't really make more of a mess than Pork Roll, and we love her, so...

[ralfio]

“That… that would be amazing…!”

“… I… think we should wait a bit, though… I… don’t think Key’s too happy with me right now.”

“(… if he’d want anything to do with me after I was so useless…)”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Wait,,, why would Key be upset with you? Sorry, I. Think I missed something ^^"

Or several somethings. A lot. Of things.

[ralfio]

“I… uh…”

“I- … saw what happened with- him, in… the… nurse’s office.”

“And… I… didn’t help. I just- stood there like an idiot.

“… I… don’t… want to say too much. It’s… not my story to tell, really.”

“… I’d… want you to get it from Key himself. If… he’s ready.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

You know,,, um. I only heard part of it but it sounds like it was kinda,,, terrifying? And, I mean- everyone reacts differently. Like, I freeze up really bad,,, for a while I'd faint too? I dont think,,, anyone would blame you? For being scared?

Especially Key,,,,,, he's a really good friend.

[ralfio]

“Yeah… it… it was.”

“I- I was just trying not to get sick the whole time…”

“… I… I should have. A-At least that would have distracted… it, or- or something…”

“… It’s… my fault things… got that bad.”

“(… it should have been me instead.)”

[ralfio]

Do you have a favourite gorotama player?

“… In the school?”

“I’d probably say Milo Stonegarden.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Wait,,, me? There are like,,,,,,, at least thirty better players though,,,,

[ralfio]

“…”

“This is… probably going to sound weird, but…”

“… When I first came to Kal Asterock, you… were a nobody like me.”

“Everyone thought your jelly tama was lame… that… it just got in the way. And… you hated it too.”

“But, then you joined the Knights, and… you became so much more powerful than anyone could have thought. And- and it’s still only your first year!”

“… I… I don’t know. It’s stupid, but…”

“… It gives me hope that my ‘lame’ tama will be useful one day, too.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

That's,,, not stupid, actually. And your tama's not lame. I mean,,, even if you don't wanna play Gorotama? I mean, I'd get it. It's kind of,,, terrifying-

But... painting, maybe,,,? I dunno. I guess,,, it's nice to know that me playing on a banner, uh,,, means something to you? ^^"

I wouldn't even have ended up here if it wasn't for Key and Ssyelle,,,

[ralfio]

“… I don’t think I’m ready for anything like that yet. Still need to figure out how to use it without getting sick.”

“And I’m not even talking about playing in the first place. The Jelly Dragon? How you all beat the shadows with your jellies? That’s really cool!”

“… You’re really cool.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Right, yeah,,, that. Makes sense. It's still not lame! It's not like it's the only tama with drawbacks,,, right? Maybe the nurses would have something,,,?

I- dunno about the thing with the Shadows. I guess combining tamas was cool,, but that was mostly Pork Roll? I dunno,,,

I think,,, you're really cool too.

[ralfio]

“The nurses have been giving me everything they have since the day I got here. Nurse Volgora has a tea that sometimes helps a little… But all they have are temporary ways to soothe it, it always comes back with a vengeance.”

“And… yeah, it was cool. But they couldn’t have done it without you.”

“And… thank you.”

“… I miss Nurse Volgora. I hope she comes back soon.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

I,,, hope she's back soon too. There's too much going on.

But still,,, that must suck? Not being able to find something that helps, I mean,,,

I wonder if anyone in Mestras would have anything?

[ralfio]

“Yeah.. My family searched Mestras extensively for anything that could help, and… We found some things that soothed it temporarily while it was happening, but… they stopped working pretty quickly.”

“Eventually they were just told to send me to Kal Asterock, since… they thought people trained with more ‘unstable’ tamas could help me.”

“… That’s… uh… still a work in progress.”

“(… Be careful choosing doctors in Mestras. Some of them… weren’t very nice.)”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Well... if Key comes back I guess you could,,, I dunno, try asking him? It's super different with his tama though, so- I'm not sure it would really help that much. Um... hm. I... should've asked if you actually,,, wanted help first, huh?

[ralfio]

“I… have thought about it. I do also… I get reminded of myself still when I see what he’s been going through.”

“Obviously not, uh… like that, but…”

“… I feel bad for him. I… wish I could help…”

“… and… yeah, I… guess I *want* help, and… I… do appreciate it when people try, but… all anyone can suggest is things I’ve tried before, or… is just not possible.”

“And… I feel really bad when- … when people try so hard to help me, and… they can’t.”

“…”

“I’m- really sorry, I… shouldn’t be overloading you with all this. You have… enough to worry about right now. With… everything.”

“(… I was there, at the nurses when it happened… I should have done something.)”

“(… it’s my fault it ended up like this.)”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

You know,,, I wouldn't have brought it up if I minded you talking about it. I'll still see what I can, um, find out. Even if I can't help, I can still,,, I dunno, understand you better? I guess?

[ralfio]

“… thank you.”

“… not all gorotama players really care for these things. I’ve met some really cruel ones.”

“… So… I guess that’s another reason you’re my favourite.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

I- thanks? Yeah,,, I guess there's a lot of, um. Hostility. With the other players? I think it's dumb, but... I dunno. There isn't really anything I can do about it except,,, y'know,,, try to be nice?

[ralfio]

“You’re doing so much more than you think.”

“… And… it’s appreciated so much more than- than you could probably ever know.”

“Please… don’t lose that. No matter what happens.”

“… Please.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

No, um, losing myself to the evil toxic part of Gorotama,,, will do. I can do that!

I'd rather stay far, FAR away from that stuff anyway

[ralfio]

“Yeah… I don’t understand how you guys can do it.”

“Getting beat up all the time, being famous at your own school, and the toxic stuff in general…”

“Even if my tama wasn’t gross and I could use it without being sick, I could never do something like that.”

“… I… tried a couple times. Streetball, mainly, back home. I… kept getting sick, and… not being able to play.”

“… Be careful out there… okay? Don’t… don’t get hurt doing something dumb and… not be able to play anymore.”

“But- but if the nurses say you shouldn’t play, then… please don’t.”

“… I… kept hearing nurse Volgora talk about players that… that didn’t take breaks, and- and just wanted to play no matter what, and- … they hurt themselves to the point they couldn’t play anymore.”

“… and… she… didn’t talk too much about what happened to them afterwards… but…”

“… agh, I- really shouldn’t be saying all of this, but…”

“I just…”

“… Really don’t want that to happen to the cool players I’ve met here. Especially you.”

“So… please, be careful.”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

I'll be careful. Trust me,,, I think I'm the last person to not listen to the nurse-

But,,, if you ever wanna play casually,,, like, no tamas, I don't think the other Knights will mind if you come hang out with us. We can always take breaks if you get sick!

[ralfio]

“Do… you really mean it?”

“I- I’m sorry, I just… don’t want to be a bother if I do get sick, and… make a mess of everything…”

“(… now I feel even worse for not being able to help Key…)”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Yeah! I mean it,,, it wouldn't be a bother. Plus it would be fun, right? And it's,,, I mean,,, you can't really make more of a mess than Pork Roll, and we love her, so...

[ralfio]

“That… that would be amazing…!”

“… I… think we should wait a bit, though… I… don’t think Key’s too happy with me right now.”

“(… if he’d want anything to do with me after I was so useless…)”

[thesnackthatsmilosback]

Wait,,, why would Key be upset with you? Sorry, I. Think I missed something ^^"

Or several somethings. A lot. Of things.

[ralfio]

“I… uh…”

“I- … saw what happened with- him, in… the… nurse’s office.”

“And… I… didn’t help. I just- stood there like an idiot.

“… I… don’t… want to say too much. It’s… not my story to tell, really.”

“… I’d… want you to get it from Key himself. If… he’s ready.”

[healer-ossain]

*Four kids walk into the infirmary*

" @ri-basketutama it's stupid to let in just some random in on-"

"It's not a random. It's someone that understands us." Ri's familiar voice sighed "Ossain understands how privileged the gorotama players are"

"Fine."

Ossain is there- same as always. He's organizing herbs that are already organized, because he has nothing better to do. He looks up when he hears Ri, and he gives the group a small wave.

"Hi, Ri. D'you need something? I'm... not really busy right now, so-"

[ri-basketutama]

"You know how Miss Naledi asked if I was behind the leech?"

he sighs "Well I'm still not responsible for most people acting weird, but we did do something to Goyen Ansell and Goyen Sunspear"

one of the girls with him sighs "Goyen Sunspear was just a test run"

[healer-ossain]

"Wait- that was you? Why? Isn't that... kind of a bad idea? I mean, what if you get in trouble?"

He seems frantic, but less at the whole thing and more at the idea of his only friend getting in trouble. It's still not great, he's not sure how to feel about it, but Ri must've had a reason, right?

@ralfio do whatever u want I just didn't wanna forget

[ralfio]

Ralfio was recovering again from a tama-related incident... he was quite on edge after the last time he found himself here. But he was trying to keep everything feeling normal.

... But, he couldn't keep himself from overhearing the others. He can't, really. He's always heard weird stuff in there. People get injured, and want to talk about it. But...

... As much as he hates to admit it, he's been real curious about that leech.

So... he was just silently listening. Staring around where the noise was coming from, but likely at least partially obscured for the time being.

[ri-basketutama]

Ri takes a seat "Okay so. You know how much I hate Gorotama players. They're-"

The other boy perks up "Loud!", the girls follow: "Brash!" "Obnoxious!"

Ri nods and continues "And they're always either getting themselves injured or getting us injuried."

One if the girl clears her throat "So our leader here had a great idea! What if Gorotama got suspended for a bit? If all the Gorotama players suddenly caught a mood change or something!"

The other girl continues "So, we tested it on Goyen Sunspear! It wasn't supposed to make anyone violent or anything just, a little off!"

[healer-ossain]

"Just... a little off? I guess that's not as bad- but still! What if someone found out! Aren't Gorotama games cancelled now anyway?"

He's almost too easy to convince. Maybe because less games means less people he has to treat on his own. He's not really confident in his skills yet, and if they aren't trying to hurt anyone, he can get behind the idea of getting games postponed or suspended.

[ralfio]

It's only now he's really putting 2 and 2 together about the leech being Ri's doing.

He peeked around the privacy screen he had, and was just watching them. He couldn't bring himself to say a word.

He was scared, but if any of them saw him... they'd likely also see a faint shimmer of hope in his eyes.

He felt a deep sense of shame for that hope. That things could be better, but it would risk everything.

... But... what were they saying about Gorotama?

"... they're... not all like that."

He wasn't even aware he said it out loud, and his voice was soft and timid.

[ri-basketutama]

Ri wips his head around, his cat features for once come out while inside the infirmary:

"Welll look what the cat dragged in.."

[ralfio]

He was startled, he didn't think he said that out loud.

"um... I was- I was here before you guys..."

He murmured, slinking back behind the curtain a little, before slowly peeking out again, still a little shaky.

"Was... was it you behind the... leeches?"

He asked, his voice quaking.

... with a slight glimmer of hope that he felt so much disgust in himself for.

[ri-basketutama]

"Not really. How much did you hear?" The cat boy was smiling.

Cat's don't typically smile.

[ralfio]

"Um..."

He paused, thinking about his answer.

... There's no point lying.

"You... uh... said something about Gorotama players being- being mean, so... you... wanted to make them not want to play with- with a leech."

He explained.

"I- ... I mean I- ... don't really blame you for- for that, but..."

He held his tongue a little. Just speaking these words made his tama start to act up again. He could manage for now, but... not for long.

"... okay f- first of all, ... that- one that got Falco, I..." He struggled to get the words out. Remembering it felt... wrong. "I saw it; he... he started attacking people, and- ... a... a lot of people got hurt."

He explained. He was shaking much more than he was at all aware of, and wasn't even looking at any of them.

... This was the first time he was properly talking to anyone about it. And to Ri, of all people. Of course others were there, but...

"... it... it was really bad."

His voice cracked at the memory. But he shook it off, and tried to sit up tall once more.

"and- ... and yeah, I- ... I know a lot of Gorotama players are- ... mean, and- that... 'evil toxic part of Gorotama' is... uh... w- well on display, but..."

He was trying so hard to be brave. Like he should have been when he was here last.

"... not... not all of them are like that. Have... have you met any of the Knights?" He asked, sounding quite genuine. "I- I met Milo the other day- M- Milo Stonegarden. And..."

"He- ... He wanted to include ME in- in some practice games! Like- ... w- without tamas, with... a loser like me."

His voice quaked, and tears were forming at the edges of his eyes.

"... the... the problem isn't Gorotama. I- ... I don't know what it is, but..."

"I- I don't know, what am I saying?"

He said, the memories of that fateful night replaying over.

and over.

and over.

[ri-basketutama]

he sighs "Look I don't send the leech. That thing is murderous and it goes against my mission to prevent harm."

He gestures at ome of the girls, and she makes a copy of Ralfio.

Ri stands up and shoves the copy towards Ralfio, forgetting all about Ossain "This is what we do."

[ralfio]

He was taken aback by this sudden clone.

He had so many questions. How would he do this? How does this relate to the leech? Was he always that ugly? Could he touch it?

... He tried the last one. Just a normal touch to the arm.

He looks back at them, bewildered.

"I... I'm sorry, I..."

He steps back, still shaking.

"I- ... must have, uh... gotten confused, w- with... something else. Ahah."

He could feel himself starting to get sick again.

"... but... do you... know anything about it?"

He asked, hesitantly.

[ri-basketutama]

*Ri gestures to his friend, whomade the living sentieny 2nd ralfio dissolve into dust*

"Don't ever imply I'm connected to that monstruos thing. Otherwise, I can assure you nobody could distinguish you from a copy that doesn't throw up every five seconds"

It was only after the words left his mouth that he remembered Ossain was behind him, he tensed and turned back to him. Then laughed awkwardly "God that sounded so cruel... I didn't mean it"

His ears and tail went back inside "Hey Ralfio, was it? You like ice cream? Let me buy you some for the scare-"

[ralfio]

"... they... uh... probably wouldn't anyways. It'd... probably be an improvement."

He spoke nervously. Why was he saying these things?

But he was quite shocked at the ice cream proposal. He looked to Ossain, as if asking if he was also seeing this.

... However... well, he doesn't exactly have that much to lose from this right now.

"I... I do, actually. Th... thank you."

He spoke softly.

... Thankfully, he didn't register that the clone was sentient.

[healer-ossain]

He's been watching in a sense of bewildered awe. Maybe a little terror too, but it's not really worse than anything else he's seen in the last few days.

"... I'd probably notice, if- if it makes you feel better. If you suddenly had no nausea, I mean. Nurse Volgora really has tried just about everything..."

[ralfio]

"... thank you."

He said, shakily. He knew the people in the nurse's would probably at least notice something was different... but would they know it's not him?

"... she keeps trying new things, but... I think even she's starting to give up on me."

He admitted with a forced chuckle.

... A part of him was disappointed Ri wasn't behind the leeches. At least then he might have been able to help.

Of course, the thought of him WANTING something that he saw cause so much damage made him feel sick.

But Ossain was right.

He's already tried just about everything else.

... There has to be a way. There has to be.

[healer-ossain]

*Four kids walk into the infirmary*

" @ri-basketutama it's stupid to let in just some random in on-"

"It's not a random. It's someone that understands us." Ri's familiar voice sighed "Ossain understands how privileged the gorotama players are"

"Fine."

Ossain is there- same as always. He's organizing herbs that are already organized, because he has nothing better to do. He looks up when he hears Ri, and he gives the group a small wave.

"Hi, Ri. D'you need something? I'm... not really busy right now, so-"

[ri-basketutama]

"You know how Miss Naledi asked if I was behind the leech?"

he sighs "Well I'm still not responsible for most people acting weird, but we did do something to Goyen Ansell and Goyen Sunspear"

one of the girls with him sighs "Goyen Sunspear was just a test run"

[healer-ossain]

"Wait- that was you? Why? Isn't that... kind of a bad idea? I mean, what if you get in trouble?"

He seems frantic, but less at the whole thing and more at the idea of his only friend getting in trouble. It's still not great, he's not sure how to feel about it, but Ri must've had a reason, right?

@ralfio do whatever u want I just didn't wanna forget

[ralfio]

Ralfio was recovering again from a tama-related incident... he was quite on edge after the last time he found himself here. But he was trying to keep everything feeling normal.

... But, he couldn't keep himself from overhearing the others. He can't, really. He's always heard weird stuff in there. People get injured, and want to talk about it. But...

... As much as he hates to admit it, he's been real curious about that leech.

So... he was just silently listening. Staring around where the noise was coming from, but likely at least partially obscured for the time being.

[ri-basketutama]

Ri takes a seat "Okay so. You know how much I hate Gorotama players. They're-"

The other boy perks up "Loud!", the girls follow: "Brash!" "Obnoxious!"

Ri nods and continues "And they're always either getting themselves injured or getting us injuried."

One if the girl clears her throat "So our leader here had a great idea! What if Gorotama got suspended for a bit? If all the Gorotama players suddenly caught a mood change or something!"

The other girl continues "So, we tested it on Goyen Sunspear! It wasn't supposed to make anyone violent or anything just, a little off!"

[healer-ossain]

"Just... a little off? I guess that's not as bad- but still! What if someone found out! Aren't Gorotama games cancelled now anyway?"

He's almost too easy to convince. Maybe because less games means less people he has to treat on his own. He's not really confident in his skills yet, and if they aren't trying to hurt anyone, he can get behind the idea of getting games postponed or suspended.

[ralfio]

It's only now he's really putting 2 and 2 together about the leech being Ri's doing.

He peeked around the privacy screen he had, and was just watching them. He couldn't bring himself to say a word.

He was scared, but if any of them saw him... they'd likely also see a faint shimmer of hope in his eyes.

He felt a deep sense of shame for that hope. That things could be better, but it would risk everything.

... But... what were they saying about Gorotama?

"... they're... not all like that."

He wasn't even aware he said it out loud, and his voice was soft and timid.

[ri-basketutama]

Ri wips his head around, his cat features for once come out while inside the infirmary:

"Welll look what the cat dragged in.."

[ralfio]

He was startled, he didn't think he said that out loud.

"um... I was- I was here before you guys..."

He murmured, slinking back behind the curtain a little, before slowly peeking out again, still a little shaky.

"Was... was it you behind the... leeches?"

He asked, his voice quaking.

... with a slight glimmer of hope that he felt so much disgust in himself for.

[ri-basketutama]

"Not really. How much did you hear?" The cat boy was smiling.

Cat's don't typically smile.

[ralfio]

"Um..."

He paused, thinking about his answer.

... There's no point lying.

"You... uh... said something about Gorotama players being- being mean, so... you... wanted to make them not want to play with- with a leech."

He explained.

"I- ... I mean I- ... don't really blame you for- for that, but..."

He held his tongue a little. Just speaking these words made his tama start to act up again. He could manage for now, but... not for long.

"... okay f- first of all, ... that- one that got Falco, I..." He struggled to get the words out. Remembering it felt... wrong. "I saw it; he... he started attacking people, and- ... a... a lot of people got hurt."

He explained. He was shaking much more than he was at all aware of, and wasn't even looking at any of them.

... This was the first time he was properly talking to anyone about it. And to Ri, of all people. Of course others were there, but...

"... it... it was really bad."

His voice cracked at the memory. But he shook it off, and tried to sit up tall once more.

"and- ... and yeah, I- ... I know a lot of Gorotama players are- ... mean, and- that... 'evil toxic part of Gorotama' is... uh... w- well on display, but..."

He was trying so hard to be brave. Like he should have been when he was here last.

"... not... not all of them are like that. Have... have you met any of the Knights?" He asked, sounding quite genuine. "I- I met Milo the other day- M- Milo Stonegarden. And..."

"He- ... He wanted to include ME in- in some practice games! Like- ... w- without tamas, with... a loser like me."

His voice quaked, and tears were forming at the edges of his eyes.

"... the... the problem isn't Gorotama. I- ... I don't know what it is, but..."

"I- I don't know, what am I saying?"

He said, the memories of that fateful night replaying over.

and over.

and over.

[ri-basketutama]

he sighs "Look I don't send the leech. That thing is murderous and it goes against my mission to prevent harm."

He gestures at ome of the girls, and she makes a copy of Ralfio.

Ri stands up and shoves the copy towards Ralfio, forgetting all about Ossain "This is what we do."

[ralfio]

He was taken aback by this sudden clone.

He had so many questions. How would he do this? How does this relate to the leech? Was he always that ugly? Could he touch it?

... He tried the last one. Just a normal touch to the arm.

He looks back at them, bewildered.

"I... I'm sorry, I..."

He steps back, still shaking.

"I- ... must have, uh... gotten confused, w- with... something else. Ahah."

He could feel himself starting to get sick again.

"... but... do you... know anything about it?"

He asked, hesitantly.

[ri-basketutama]

*Ri gestures to his friend, whomade the living sentieny 2nd ralfio dissolve into dust*

"Don't ever imply I'm connected to that monstruos thing. Otherwise, I can assure you nobody could distinguish you from a copy that doesn't throw up every five seconds"

It was only after the words left his mouth that he remembered Ossain was behind him, he tensed and turned back to him. Then laughed awkwardly "God that sounded so cruel... I didn't mean it"

His ears and tail went back inside "Hey Ralfio, was it? You like ice cream? Let me buy you some for the scare-"

[ralfio]

"... they... uh... probably wouldn't anyways. It'd... probably be an improvement."

He spoke nervously. Why was he saying these things?

But he was quite shocked at the ice cream proposal. He looked to Ossain, as if asking if he was also seeing this.

... However... well, he doesn't exactly have that much to lose from this right now.

"I... I do, actually. Th... thank you."

He spoke softly.

... Thankfully, he didn't register that the clone was sentient.

[healer-ossain]

*Four kids walk into the infirmary*

" @ri-basketutama it's stupid to let in just some random in on-"

"It's not a random. It's someone that understands us." Ri's familiar voice sighed "Ossain understands how privileged the gorotama players are"

"Fine."

Ossain is there- same as always. He's organizing herbs that are already organized, because he has nothing better to do. He looks up when he hears Ri, and he gives the group a small wave.

"Hi, Ri. D'you need something? I'm... not really busy right now, so-"

[ri-basketutama]

"You know how Miss Naledi asked if I was behind the leech?"

he sighs "Well I'm still not responsible for most people acting weird, but we did do something to Goyen Ansell and Goyen Sunspear"

one of the girls with him sighs "Goyen Sunspear was just a test run"

[healer-ossain]

"Wait- that was you? Why? Isn't that... kind of a bad idea? I mean, what if you get in trouble?"

He seems frantic, but less at the whole thing and more at the idea of his only friend getting in trouble. It's still not great, he's not sure how to feel about it, but Ri must've had a reason, right?

@ralfio do whatever u want I just didn't wanna forget

[ralfio]

Ralfio was recovering again from a tama-related incident... he was quite on edge after the last time he found himself here. But he was trying to keep everything feeling normal.

... But, he couldn't keep himself from overhearing the others. He can't, really. He's always heard weird stuff in there. People get injured, and want to talk about it. But...

... As much as he hates to admit it, he's been real curious about that leech.

So... he was just silently listening. Staring around where the noise was coming from, but likely at least partially obscured for the time being.

[ri-basketutama]

Ri takes a seat "Okay so. You know how much I hate Gorotama players. They're-"

The other boy perks up "Loud!", the girls follow: "Brash!" "Obnoxious!"

Ri nods and continues "And they're always either getting themselves injured or getting us injuried."

One if the girl clears her throat "So our leader here had a great idea! What if Gorotama got suspended for a bit? If all the Gorotama players suddenly caught a mood change or something!"

The other girl continues "So, we tested it on Goyen Sunspear! It wasn't supposed to make anyone violent or anything just, a little off!"

[healer-ossain]

"Just... a little off? I guess that's not as bad- but still! What if someone found out! Aren't Gorotama games cancelled now anyway?"

He's almost too easy to convince. Maybe because less games means less people he has to treat on his own. He's not really confident in his skills yet, and if they aren't trying to hurt anyone, he can get behind the idea of getting games postponed or suspended.

[ralfio]

It's only now he's really putting 2 and 2 together about the leech being Ri's doing.

He peeked around the privacy screen he had, and was just watching them. He couldn't bring himself to say a word.

He was scared, but if any of them saw him... they'd likely also see a faint shimmer of hope in his eyes.

He felt a deep sense of shame for that hope. That things could be better, but it would risk everything.

... But... what were they saying about Gorotama?

"... they're... not all like that."

He wasn't even aware he said it out loud, and his voice was soft and timid.

[ri-basketutama]

Ri wips his head around, his cat features for once come out while inside the infirmary:

"Welll look what the cat dragged in.."

[ralfio]

He was startled, he didn't think he said that out loud.

"um... I was- I was here before you guys..."

He murmured, slinking back behind the curtain a little, before slowly peeking out again, still a little shaky.

"Was... was it you behind the... leeches?"

He asked, his voice quaking.

... with a slight glimmer of hope that he felt so much disgust in himself for.

[ri-basketutama]

"Not really. How much did you hear?" The cat boy was smiling.

Cat's don't typically smile.

[ralfio]

"Um..."

He paused, thinking about his answer.

... There's no point lying.

"You... uh... said something about Gorotama players being- being mean, so... you... wanted to make them not want to play with- with a leech."

He explained.

"I- ... I mean I- ... don't really blame you for- for that, but..."

He held his tongue a little. Just speaking these words made his tama start to act up again. He could manage for now, but... not for long.

"... okay f- first of all, ... that- one that got Falco, I..." He struggled to get the words out. Remembering it felt... wrong. "I saw it; he... he started attacking people, and- ... a... a lot of people got hurt."

He explained. He was shaking much more than he was at all aware of, and wasn't even looking at any of them.

... This was the first time he was properly talking to anyone about it. And to Ri, of all people. Of course others were there, but...

"... it... it was really bad."

His voice cracked at the memory. But he shook it off, and tried to sit up tall once more.

"and- ... and yeah, I- ... I know a lot of Gorotama players are- ... mean, and- that... 'evil toxic part of Gorotama' is... uh... w- well on display, but..."

He was trying so hard to be brave. Like he should have been when he was here last.

"... not... not all of them are like that. Have... have you met any of the Knights?" He asked, sounding quite genuine. "I- I met Milo the other day- M- Milo Stonegarden. And..."

"He- ... He wanted to include ME in- in some practice games! Like- ... w- without tamas, with... a loser like me."

His voice quaked, and tears were forming at the edges of his eyes.

"... the... the problem isn't Gorotama. I- ... I don't know what it is, but..."

"I- I don't know, what am I saying?"

He said, the memories of that fateful night replaying over.

and over.

and over.

[ri-basketutama]

he sighs "Look I don't send the leech. That thing is murderous and it goes against my mission to prevent harm."

He gestures at ome of the girls, and she makes a copy of Ralfio.

Ri stands up and shoves the copy towards Ralfio, forgetting all about Ossain "This is what we do."

[ralfio]

He was taken aback by this sudden clone.

He had so many questions. How would he do this? How does this relate to the leech? Was he always that ugly? Could he touch it?

... He tried the last one. Just a normal touch to the arm.

He looks back at them, bewildered.

"I... I'm sorry, I..."

He steps back, still shaking.

"I- ... must have, uh... gotten confused, w- with... something else. Ahah."

He could feel himself starting to get sick again.

"... but... do you... know anything about it?"

He asked, hesitantly.

[healer-ossain]

*Four kids walk into the infirmary*

" @ri-basketutama it's stupid to let in just some random in on-"

"It's not a random. It's someone that understands us." Ri's familiar voice sighed "Ossain understands how privileged the gorotama players are"

"Fine."

Ossain is there- same as always. He's organizing herbs that are already organized, because he has nothing better to do. He looks up when he hears Ri, and he gives the group a small wave.

"Hi, Ri. D'you need something? I'm... not really busy right now, so-"

[ri-basketutama]

"You know how Miss Naledi asked if I was behind the leech?"

he sighs "Well I'm still not responsible for most people acting weird, but we did do something to Goyen Ansell and Goyen Sunspear"

one of the girls with him sighs "Goyen Sunspear was just a test run"

[healer-ossain]

"Wait- that was you? Why? Isn't that... kind of a bad idea? I mean, what if you get in trouble?"

He seems frantic, but less at the whole thing and more at the idea of his only friend getting in trouble. It's still not great, he's not sure how to feel about it, but Ri must've had a reason, right?

@ralfio do whatever u want I just didn't wanna forget

[ralfio]

Ralfio was recovering again from a tama-related incident... he was quite on edge after the last time he found himself here. But he was trying to keep everything feeling normal.

... But, he couldn't keep himself from overhearing the others. He can't, really. He's always heard weird stuff in there. People get injured, and want to talk about it. But...

... As much as he hates to admit it, he's been real curious about that leech.

So... he was just silently listening. Staring around where the noise was coming from, but likely at least partially obscured for the time being.

[ri-basketutama]

Ri takes a seat "Okay so. You know how much I hate Gorotama players. They're-"

The other boy perks up "Loud!", the girls follow: "Brash!" "Obnoxious!"

Ri nods and continues "And they're always either getting themselves injured or getting us injuried."

One if the girl clears her throat "So our leader here had a great idea! What if Gorotama got suspended for a bit? If all the Gorotama players suddenly caught a mood change or something!"

The other girl continues "So, we tested it on Goyen Sunspear! It wasn't supposed to make anyone violent or anything just, a little off!"

[healer-ossain]

"Just... a little off? I guess that's not as bad- but still! What if someone found out! Aren't Gorotama games cancelled now anyway?"

He's almost too easy to convince. Maybe because less games means less people he has to treat on his own. He's not really confident in his skills yet, and if they aren't trying to hurt anyone, he can get behind the idea of getting games postponed or suspended.

[ralfio]

It's only now he's really putting 2 and 2 together about the leech being Ri's doing.

He peeked around the privacy screen he had, and was just watching them. He couldn't bring himself to say a word.

He was scared, but if any of them saw him... they'd likely also see a faint shimmer of hope in his eyes.

He felt a deep sense of shame for that hope. That things could be better, but it would risk everything.

... But... what were they saying about Gorotama?

"... they're... not all like that."

He wasn't even aware he said it out loud, and his voice was soft and timid.

[ri-basketutama]

Ri wips his head around, his cat features for once come out while inside the infirmary:

"Welll look what the cat dragged in.."

[ralfio]

He was startled, he didn't think he said that out loud.

"um... I was- I was here before you guys..."

He murmured, slinking back behind the curtain a little, before slowly peeking out again, still a little shaky.

"Was... was it you behind the... leeches?"

He asked, his voice quaking.

... with a slight glimmer of hope that he felt so much disgust in himself for.

[ri-basketutama]

"Not really. How much did you hear?" The cat boy was smiling.

Cat's don't typically smile.

[ralfio]

"Um..."

He paused, thinking about his answer.

... There's no point lying.

"You... uh... said something about Gorotama players being- being mean, so... you... wanted to make them not want to play with- with a leech."

He explained.

"I- ... I mean I- ... don't really blame you for- for that, but..."

He held his tongue a little. Just speaking these words made his tama start to act up again. He could manage for now, but... not for long.

"... okay f- first of all, ... that- one that got Falco, I..." He struggled to get the words out. Remembering it felt... wrong. "I saw it; he... he started attacking people, and- ... a... a lot of people got hurt."

He explained. He was shaking much more than he was at all aware of, and wasn't even looking at any of them.

... This was the first time he was properly talking to anyone about it. And to Ri, of all people. Of course others were there, but...

"... it... it was really bad."

His voice cracked at the memory. But he shook it off, and tried to sit up tall once more.

"and- ... and yeah, I- ... I know a lot of Gorotama players are- ... mean, and- that... 'evil toxic part of Gorotama' is... uh... w- well on display, but..."

He was trying so hard to be brave. Like he should have been when he was here last.

"... not... not all of them are like that. Have... have you met any of the Knights?" He asked, sounding quite genuine. "I- I met Milo the other day- M- Milo Stonegarden. And..."

"He- ... He wanted to include ME in- in some practice games! Like- ... w- without tamas, with... a loser like me."

His voice quaked, and tears were forming at the edges of his eyes.

"... the... the problem isn't Gorotama. I- ... I don't know what it is, but..."

"I- I don't know, what am I saying?"

He said, the memories of that fateful night replaying over.

and over.

and over.

[healer-ossain]

*Four kids walk into the infirmary*

" @ri-basketutama it's stupid to let in just some random in on-"

"It's not a random. It's someone that understands us." Ri's familiar voice sighed "Ossain understands how privileged the gorotama players are"

"Fine."

Ossain is there- same as always. He's organizing herbs that are already organized, because he has nothing better to do. He looks up when he hears Ri, and he gives the group a small wave.

"Hi, Ri. D'you need something? I'm... not really busy right now, so-"

[ri-basketutama]

"You know how Miss Naledi asked if I was behind the leech?"

he sighs "Well I'm still not responsible for most people acting weird, but we did do something to Goyen Ansell and Goyen Sunspear"

one of the girls with him sighs "Goyen Sunspear was just a test run"

[healer-ossain]

"Wait- that was you? Why? Isn't that... kind of a bad idea? I mean, what if you get in trouble?"

He seems frantic, but less at the whole thing and more at the idea of his only friend getting in trouble. It's still not great, he's not sure how to feel about it, but Ri must've had a reason, right?

@ralfio do whatever u want I just didn't wanna forget

[ralfio]

Ralfio was recovering again from a tama-related incident... he was quite on edge after the last time he found himself here. But he was trying to keep everything feeling normal.

... But, he couldn't keep himself from overhearing the others. He can't, really. He's always heard weird stuff in there. People get injured, and want to talk about it. But...

... As much as he hates to admit it, he's been real curious about that leech.

So... he was just silently listening. Staring around where the noise was coming from, but likely at least partially obscured for the time being.

[ri-basketutama]

Ri takes a seat "Okay so. You know how much I hate Gorotama players. They're-"

The other boy perks up "Loud!", the girls follow: "Brash!" "Obnoxious!"

Ri nods and continues "And they're always either getting themselves injured or getting us injuried."

One if the girl clears her throat "So our leader here had a great idea! What if Gorotama got suspended for a bit? If all the Gorotama players suddenly caught a mood change or something!"

The other girl continues "So, we tested it on Goyen Sunspear! It wasn't supposed to make anyone violent or anything just, a little off!"

[healer-ossain]

"Just... a little off? I guess that's not as bad- but still! What if someone found out! Aren't Gorotama games cancelled now anyway?"

He's almost too easy to convince. Maybe because less games means less people he has to treat on his own. He's not really confident in his skills yet, and if they aren't trying to hurt anyone, he can get behind the idea of getting games postponed or suspended.

[ralfio]

It's only now he's really putting 2 and 2 together about the leech being Ri's doing.

He peeked around the privacy screen he had, and was just watching them. He couldn't bring himself to say a word.

He was scared, but if any of them saw him... they'd likely also see a faint shimmer of hope in his eyes.

He felt a deep sense of shame for that hope. That things could be better, but it would risk everything.

... But... what were they saying about Gorotama?

"... they're... not all like that."

He wasn't even aware he said it out loud, and his voice was soft and timid.

[ri-basketutama]

Ri wips his head around, his cat features for once come out while inside the infirmary:

"Welll look what the cat dragged in.."

[ralfio]

He was startled, he didn't think he said that out loud.

"um... I was- I was here before you guys..."

He murmured, slinking back behind the curtain a little, before slowly peeking out again, still a little shaky.

"Was... was it you behind the... leeches?"

He asked, his voice quaking.

... with a slight glimmer of hope that he felt so much disgust in himself for.

[healer-ossain]

*Four kids walk into the infirmary*

" @ri-basketutama it's stupid to let in just some random in on-"

"It's not a random. It's someone that understands us." Ri's familiar voice sighed "Ossain understands how privileged the gorotama players are"

"Fine."

Ossain is there- same as always. He's organizing herbs that are already organized, because he has nothing better to do. He looks up when he hears Ri, and he gives the group a small wave.

"Hi, Ri. D'you need something? I'm... not really busy right now, so-"

[ri-basketutama]

"You know how Miss Naledi asked if I was behind the leech?"

he sighs "Well I'm still not responsible for most people acting weird, but we did do something to Goyen Ansell and Goyen Sunspear"

one of the girls with him sighs "Goyen Sunspear was just a test run"

[healer-ossain]

"Wait- that was you? Why? Isn't that... kind of a bad idea? I mean, what if you get in trouble?"

He seems frantic, but less at the whole thing and more at the idea of his only friend getting in trouble. It's still not great, he's not sure how to feel about it, but Ri must've had a reason, right?

@ralfio do whatever u want I just didn't wanna forget

[ralfio]

Ralfio was recovering again from a tama-related incident... he was quite on edge after the last time he found himself here. But he was trying to keep everything feeling normal.

... But, he couldn't keep himself from overhearing the others. He can't, really. He's always heard weird stuff in there. People get injured, and want to talk about it. But...

... As much as he hates to admit it, he's been real curious about that leech.

So... he was just silently listening. Staring around where the noise was coming from, but likely at least partially obscured for the time being.

[ri-basketutama]

Ri takes a seat "Okay so. You know how much I hate Gorotama players. They're-"

The other boy perks up "Loud!", the girls follow: "Brash!" "Obnoxious!"

Ri nods and continues "And they're always either getting themselves injured or getting us injuried."

One if the girl clears her throat "So our leader here had a great idea! What if Gorotama got suspended for a bit? If all the Gorotama players suddenly caught a mood change or something!"

The other girl continues "So, we tested it on Goyen Sunspear! It wasn't supposed to make anyone violent or anything just, a little off!"

[healer-ossain]

"Just... a little off? I guess that's not as bad- but still! What if someone found out! Aren't Gorotama games cancelled now anyway?"

He's almost too easy to convince. Maybe because less games means less people he has to treat on his own. He's not really confident in his skills yet, and if they aren't trying to hurt anyone, he can get behind the idea of getting games postponed or suspended.

[ralfio]

It's only now he's really putting 2 and 2 together about the leech being Ri's doing.

He peeked around the privacy screen he had, and was just watching them. He couldn't bring himself to say a word.

He was scared, but if any of them saw him... they'd likely also see a faint shimmer of hope in his eyes.

He felt a deep sense of shame for that hope. That things could be better, but it would risk everything.

... But... what were they saying about Gorotama?

"... they're... not all like that."

He wasn't even aware he said it out loud, and his voice was soft and timid.